It seems every famous city has an equally famous river - London’s Thames, Paris’s Seine, and Berlin’s Rhein to name a few. In Seoul we have the Han River. Let’s explore this river, which Koreans call “the milk line of Seoul.”

The Han River, approximately 514km in length, stretches from Korea’s east end to the west. Placed at the heart of Seoul, the river has played an important geopolitical role throughout the city’s history due to its location. It was used to collect agricultural taxes from southern farmlands via waterways and also as a trade route to China during the Joseon Dynasty. In modern Korea, the river’s location was vital in naming Seoul’s districts as it was convenient to refer to places in reference to the river. The current names such as Gangnam, Gangbuk, Gangdong, and Gangseo refer to the south, north, east, and the west of river, respectively, with the world “gang” denoting “river.”

With a width of approximately 1km, many bridges are settled across the river. There are currently 28 bridges and 6 subway lines that connect Seoul’s south and north. Bridge construction, which first began in 1969 with Hannam Bridge, continues till this date. The under-river tunnel for the new subway line and the 28th Namyangju-Bridge are currently under construction. These bridges are a vital pathway that connect Seoul’s southern business district, Gangnam, with those in the west, Yeoido, and the north, Gwanghwamun.

The bridges along with automobiles and high rise buildings around the river remind the beholders of the famous saying “Miracle on the Han River,” a period in Korea’s history of highly accelerated industrialization. During this period which lasted throughout the 1960s to 1980s, Korea boasted an annual GDP growth rate of approximately 10%. Its accomplishments now remain to attest to Korea’s proud history.

And thanks to such history, Korea now displays one of the most beautiful night sceneries in East Asia. Breathtaking sceneries of illuminated bridges and their reflections on the river can be best viewed on the bridges. The annual summer and autumn fireworks festival also takes place along the Han River piers. Bridges, the river stream, the fireworks and the late summer breeze are all harmonized together and produce an exquisite painting to be embroidered in the memories of  Seoulites and tourists alike.

Additionally, there are a total number of 12 riverside parks along the river banks. There is space for various sporting activities and rental service for sports equipment and bicycles to ride along the bicycle trails. Parks also host a wide-range of festivals such as music, sports, water fountain festivals throughout the year. And at various piers, visitors can board the Han River ferries or rent duck boats. Some of the most popular parks include Sunyudo(Sunyu island) park, Jamsil Park, and Yuiodo park.

There is no doubt that the Han River, which in the pre-modern times held significance due to providing a trade route to China, continues to hold significance in today’s world as Korea’s symbol of miraculous development.

To find out more about the riverside parks, bridges and night scenery, please visit: http://hangang.seoul.go.kr/